Lithuania 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

There are two basic types of financial status for students: state-funded and self-financed. The Ministry of Education and Science determines the maximum amount of fees that it will cover for each study field and form of study (full- time/part-time). However, higher education institutions (HEIs) have autonomy to set their own fee levels. Thus students studying in state subsidised places have at least part of their fees paid by the government.

Annual first-cycle fees range from EUR 1 076 to 11 610 for full-time, and EUR 717 to 7 740 for part-time. Annual second cycle fees range from EUR 2 265 to 12 604 for full-time and EUR 1 510 to EUR 8 403 for part-time.

There is no short cycle higher education in Lithuania.

HEIs can set different fees for citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries.

Student grants

There are three main types of grants available for both 1st and 2nd cycle students: 1) Academic achievement scholarships are awarded to around 9 % of students. Amounts range from EUR 6 to 228 per month, with EUR 57 the most common for full-time and EUR 38 for part-time students. The scholarship period varies from 1 to 12 months. 2) Social scholarships of EUR 123.5 per month are awarded to around 3 % of students, and support low socio-economic background, disabled students and orphans. The scholarship period is up to 12 months. 3) Study scholarships may be provided to high performing self-financing students in both public and private HEIs. In 2015, about 0.2 % of students in public HEIs received such support. The maximum grant amount is determined by the maximum fees that the Ministry agrees to cover for state supported students.

Self-financing 1st cycle students who have completed the first two academic years or the rest of the programme with the best results may be reimbursed tuition fees. The maximum number of students who receive this support may not exceed 10 % of the state-funded student cohort. In 2015, approx. 4.5 % fee-paying students received reimbursement.

Loans

In 2015, about 4.5 % of all students took out a state-supported loan. 75 % of loans cover tuition fee costs, and 25 % are for living expenses with less than 1 % for studies abroad. The maximum amount to cover study fees is the annual study fee; for living expenses it ranges between EUR 950-1 900. The loan repayment must start one year after the end of studies. The term of loan repayment is 15 years. The interest rate depends on the credit institution.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for students’ parents (and the student) who pay the tuition fees are eligible for an annual income tax refund, if the student is awarded his/her first degree. The income tax refund is up to 15 % of the paid tuition fee.

Family allowances

Students' parents can get family allowances if the family has three or more children under 18 years and/or older children who are full-time students (until 24 years old). The allocation depends on the difference between state supported income (non-taxable EUR 153) and the family’s income.